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To restore the color of a leather bag, you’ll want to follow these steps depending on the level of fading or damage. Here’s a basic guide:

1. Clean the Leather
• Use a leather cleaner or a mild soap solution (like diluted baby shampoo).
• Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Wipe off any residue and let it dry completely.

2. Choose a Leather Dye or Recoloring Balm
• For minor fading or scuffs, a leather recoloring balm (available in various shades) works well.
• For more dramatic color loss, a liquid leather dye is better.
• Make sure to match the color as closely as possible, or choose to recolor the whole bag for evenness.

3. Apply the Dye or Balm
• Use a sponge or soft cloth to apply in thin, even layers.
• Let it dry between coats.
• You might need 2–3 layers for full coverage.

4. Buff and Condition
• After it dries, buff with a clean, dry cloth.
• Apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent future cracking.

5. Protect It
• Finish with a leather protectant spray to guard against moisture and fading.

If you want, we can help!

wan@handbaghospital.ie

WhatsApp +353 (087) 2108515

#colour #restoration #bags #experience #service

If you’re looking to replace the lining of a tote bag, here are a few fabric options that work really well, depending on your needs:

1. Cotton (Quilting or Muslin)

• Pros: Easy to work with, breathable, affordable.
• Best for: Everyday bags, light use.

2. Canvas

• Pros: Durable, gives structure, available in various weights.
• Best for: Heavy-duty use or when you want the tote to hold shape.

3. Nylon or Ripstop Nylon

• Pros: Water-resistant, lightweight, easy to clean.
• Best for: Gym bags, beach totes, or bags used in damp environments.

4. Polyester

• Pros: Durable, smooth finish, stain-resistant options available.
• Best for: Fashion totes or bags that carry makeup, food, etc.

5. Silk or Satin

• Pros: Luxurious feel, great for upscale or evening totes.
• Best for: Fashion-focused designs.

Bonus Tip:

If you want extra durability or padding, consider adding fusible interfacing or a thin layer of batting between the outer fabric and the lining.

Want help matching a lining to your specific tote bag or style? You can show me a picture or describe it!

To clean the lining of a Louis Vuitton Neverfull (especially the fabric interior, like the beige or red canvas used in many models), follow these steps carefully to avoid damaging the material:

What You Need:

• A soft brush (like a toothbrush)
• A microfiber cloth
• Mild soap (or baby shampoo)
• Warm water
• A small bowl
• A vacuum (optional, with a soft brush attachment)

Cleaning Steps:

1. Empty the Bag Completely: Shake it gently to remove crumbs or debris.
2. Vacuum (Optional): Use a handheld vacuum or one with a brush attachment to suck out dirt and dust.
3. Dry Brush: Use a soft brush to loosen dirt in the fabric. Brush gently in circular motions.
4. Make a Mild Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of baby shampoo or gentle soap with warm water in a small bowl.
5. Spot Clean: Dip the microfiber cloth in the solution (wring it out well — it should be damp, not wet). Gently blot or wipe the stained areas.
6. Rinse with a Clean Damp Cloth: Wipe the same areas with another cloth dampened only with water to remove any soap residue.
7. Dry Thoroughly: Leave the bag open and allow it to air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.

Extra Tips:

• Avoid soaking the fabric — too much water can lead to mold or damage.
• For stubborn stains, a specialized canvas or upholstery cleaner (like one for car interiors) may help — test in a hidden area first.
• For vintage Neverfulls, be extra cautious — some older linings are more delicate. 

Handcrafted leather cardholder. Made from used leather.
I created the simply cardholder but useful and very strong. We aimed to reduce factory production for a healthier world.

These products can be made by order and unique one.

Contact us : wan@handbaghospital.ie
WhatsApp +353 (087) 6031550

Step 1: Prep 
Fresh hides are cured in salt for several days, then soaked in acidic then solution. The hair and flesh are removed.

Step 2: Splitting
The hide is separated into tow layers;
1. The hide quality Full Grain.
2. Lower quality split grain, which can be turned into Suede.

Step 3: Tanning
Hides recieve an initial soak in plant-based tannins, or a chemical equivalent. These tannins break down the collagen in the hide.

Step 4: Retanning
Hides are given a second round of tanning to preserve to preserve the colagen and add any dyes or conditioning agents.

Step 5: Deying/Rolling
Tanned leather is stretched, dried, and rolled by machines to soften the leather.

Step 6: Finishing 
Hides can be finished with a coating of pigment or polish, depending on grade and application.

Walk in the rain?
Leave on the floor?
Leave in wardrobe? 
We have some answers for those questions.

Have you ever realised when you buy designer handbag that you would expected to get the best item and it will be last long. Well there are some guidance to help you to achieved your goal. 

1) Store, use acid free tissue for stuffing inside the bag for keeping shape. You may also keep it in the dust bag and make sure that the bag stay right up. For than handles and strap you may wrap up by issue to prevent them touch the body of the bag.

2) Avoid the grease from your hand cream, lotion or oil. Those chemicals will went through the leather, sometimes there is impossible to clean up. It will leave you the mark. In the worse case it will become the deep stains.

3) General care, you may use the dry clothe for cleaning, if it is in need for chemical cleaner, you may use small drop on the dry cloth and test on surface before applied to a whole bag.

Best of luck and if you need more help, please contact us wan@handbaghospital.ie

This is my own bag design.

This summer, I have been back to my hometown, Thailand. I have been looking for the new inspirations for my leather works.
I have come up with this mini tote bag, I saw the leather-craft man displayed it in front of his shop in Bangkok. I felt in love with it, it looked very simple but functional. Once I came back to Cork Ireland, I then have started my project. All material I have are used leathers from my workshop.

The mini tote bag project was kicked off on 20th December, 2023. I made the pattern from my memory then cut and choosed the lether I like. I love deep red and black, I thought they would be a good combonation. I think I am right :) 
The hadles I like round style, they have a classic looked and timeless. I decided to have red fabric as a lining with one zipper poket and two open pokets inside, there is also one outer poket with zipper. All hardwear are in gold. The side trim I made it as stitch out and decorated by edging. The top trim I stitch leather with fabric lining and hide it instead of showing.

It is just a small little thing for many people but it was a huge achievement for me.

Finally, this bag, it was a Christmas Gift for friend of mind and I hope she enjoyed it :) xx